NC State Football Announces 2026 Captains

Head Coach Dave Doeren recently announced the team’s new captains ahead of the new season. And for the first time, the team will also feature three assistant captains.

Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack takes to the field during the warmups of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

What could be better than five team captains? How about eight? As in the number of Wolfpack leaders who will hold their teammates accountable throughout the season.

NC State will feature five team captains this season, aided by three assistant captains. 

The New Captains

Quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Duke Scott will represent the offense, while linebackers Popo Aguirre, AJ Richardson, and corner Brian Nelson II will lead the defense. 

The assistant captains include receiver Kennan Jackson, offensive guard Kamen Smith, and defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley. “

All eight of these men have shown great leadership throughout our offseason conditioning program, spring practice and fall camp, and I’m proud of how all of them represent our program,” said Head Coach Dave Doeren. 

Duke Scott, RB 

Scott was the second-leading rusher for NC State last season, racking up 581 rushing yards on an average of 5.5 yards per carry and four scores.

He returns to action this season as the clear leader in the backfield. Scott was also named to the 2026 Doak Walker and Paul Hornung Award Watch Lists. 

Popo Aguirre, ILB

Aquirre transferred to NC State after playing three seasons for the Hurricanes. He’s made an immediate impact on the Wolfpack during his short time in Raleigh.

Aguirre will anchor the Wolfpack defense this season.  

AJ Richardson, ILB

Easy to see why Richardson would be tabbed to be a team captain, considering he comes from a large family.

Richardson is very family-oriented with a total of ten siblings. There’s no doubt that his leadership values grew at home and have extended to his Wolfpack family. He’ll be a big piece on the defense.

Brian Nelson II, CB 

Nelson II transferred to the program at the start of the 2025 season after beginning his career with North Texas.

It didn’t take long for Nelson II to become a trusted leader for the Wolfpack. Last season Nelson II accounted for 29 tackles for NC State.  

CJ Bailey, QB 

Bailey serves as captain for the second straight season. He provides a level of stability and continuity at the quarterback position that hasn’t been seen in a long time.

This is Bailey’s team, and it makes sense that he is the only returning captain for this season. The Wolfpack will go as far as he can take them. 

The New Assistant Captains

It became apparent to Doeren that there's a benefit to having assistant captains since the vote for team captains came down to a razor-thin margin. 

Keenan Jackson, WR 

Doeren named the junior wide receiver as an assistant captain. Jackson saw action last season, hauling in 28 passes for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns.

He is expected to have a bigger role in the offense this season. 

Kamen Smith, OT 

Junior Kamen Smith will be a leader on the offensive line.

Smith’s experience is invaluable as he’s played in 20 games for the Wolfpack. 

Isaiah Shirley, DT 

Shirley has seen action in 29 games for the Wolfpack throughout his career. He’s a familiar face and leader on the defense. Last season, Shirley tallied 15 tackles with 1 interception returned for a touchdown.

Off the field, Shirley was a finalist for the Arthur Ashe Jr Sports Scholar Award

"Isaiah Shirley exemplifies everything we want Wolfpack Football to stand for,” said Doeren. “He is dedicated to getting better on the field and in the classroom every day, and he is the definition of a true servant-leader. He serves in many leadership roles on student organizations and is always willing to volunteer in the community. I’m so proud of him.”